Black Blade ! . . .

Re: Black Blade ! . . .

thomd

>You mean back at a time when all their stuff was prety black, black chisels and plane blades and axe bits, etc... That's oxide from air exposure during forging/heat treating. It's also somewhat rust resitant, and holds oil well for further rust resistance. Over about 600 degrees you get the blue and darker oxidation range. you find the same thig on Japanese tools, and some carving tools from europe, Hock blades etc...

PATINA. . .

Paul in NJ

>

Re: Black Blade ! . . .

mikew

>It's oxidization as mentioned.

If you have a user saw which is to this level of oxidization and wish to make it a better user, make the thing shiney. It'll work better with less set.

Once clean and shiney, keep it clean, wax it, use it.

Take care, Mike

Thanks Folks . . .

SteveM

>All the hype about "patina" drives me crazy. Once the Dude on Roadshwo mentioned it it became a "

Holy-Buzz-Word". Had a lady in a second-hand shop "gush" about The Patina" on a 70s era vanity. Sheesh ! Sounds like Mr. Saw is gett'n cleaned up ! Probably why it binds a bit, eh ?

Re: Thanks Folks . . .

mikew

>"Sounds like Mr. Saw is gett'n cleaned up ! Probably why it binds a bit, eh ?"

Yep. At least it removes that as consideration. Sharp and set well is another.

Have at it, have fun.

Take care, Mike

Re: Black Blade ! . . .

Tony Zaffuto

>I picked up a Witherby chisel (about 3/8" if I remember correctly) that was completely black like a black oxide treatment. High areas were showing shiny metal underneath. Handle appeared to be original or from another Witherby. Got the chisel for a buck or two so I figured if the black was from a fire I wouldn't be out much. Anyhow, I sharpened it up and lo and behold, the edge holds as well as any I have!

Have a notion to check the C hardness, but that's a low priority!

Re: Black Blade ! . . .

Bob Hackett

>Working with sweaty hands day after day will also give chisels that "black oxide" look.

MB